Brian Ortega vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov Targeted For UFC 249

Photo Credit: Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC
A potential featherweight title eliminator is on deck for UFC 249 in April.

A high-profile featherweight pairing is expected to land on April's UFC 249 card in Brooklyn - as one-time title challenger, Brian 'T-City' Ortega returns to meet with the surging contender, Zabit Magomedsharipov. News of the matchup was initially reported by Dutch website, MMADNA.

Ortega was scheduled to make his Octagon return at UFC Fight Night Busan against Chan Sung Jung - until an ACL injury forced the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace from his first match since his featherweight title loss to then-champion, Max Holloway at UFC 231 the previous December. Jung would go on to headline his hometown event against former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar - securing an opening-round knockout victory.

 28-year-old all-rounder, Zabit, recently defeated Calvin Kattar in a three-round main event at UFC Fight Night Moscow in November - extending his undefeated run in the promotion to six fights. Magomedsharipov has garnered huge attention since his promotional bow back in 2017 - displaying a wide array of attributes in both his striking and grappling game.

California's Ortega, fast-tracked himself to championship contention off the back of two eye-catching performances against veteran, Cub Swanson, and the previously mentioned, Edgar. The 28-year-old submitted Swanson with a standing-guillotine - before becoming the first competitor to finish Edgar with strikes in their UFC 222 matchup.

UFC 249 will take place on April 18th. from the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, with a lightweight championship clash taking headlining status. Reigning division best, Khabib Nurmagomedov is expected to finally meet perennial contender and former interim champion, Tony Ferguson, at the fifth time of asking. In a strawweight pairing, two former division champions meet in a high-stakes rematch, as Jéssica Andrade faces off with Rose Namajunas. At middleweight TUF alumni, Uriah Hall will meet with one-time Strikeforce middleweight best, Jacaré Souza. In a heavyweight pairing, Ben Rothwell welcomes Gian Villante to the division. In an exciting lightweight bout, Khama Worthy takes on Ottman Azaitar. In a rescheduled featherweight pairing, dangerous strikers meet as Octagon veteran, Jeremy Stephens faces Boston native, Calvin Kattar. In a heavyweight tie, Shamil Abdurakhimov tackles the surging prospect, Ciryl Gane - while bantamweights meet as Sijara Eubanks clashes with Sarah Moraes

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